Gymnopédie No. 1
Satie’s study in slowness – technically one of the easiest concert pieces, musically anything but.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Erik Satie
- Year
- 1888
- Origin
- Trois Gymnopédies
- Key
- D major
- Level
- Beginner
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
Very slow, few notes, clear structure – technically one of the easiest pieces in the concert repertoire. Only the calm is hard.
The real hurdle
The calm. Play it too fast and you take everything from it. Enduring that is the actual exercise.
How long does it take?
Technically in a week, musically a lifetime.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Lives on even pedalling and quiet touch. 76 keys are enough.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CT-S1 76 EU approx. €270–300Home keyboard with touch response.
Korg B2 EU approx. €350–440The overlooked fifth player: real hammer action from a heritage maker – often the cheapest serious 88.
Roland RP-107 EU approx. €980–1,100Cabinet digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Gymnopédie No. 1?
Very slow, few notes, clear structure – technically one of the easiest pieces in the concert repertoire. Only the calm is hard.
What key is Gymnopédie No. 1 in?
Gymnopédie No. 1 is in D major.
How many keys do you need for Gymnopédie No. 1?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Gymnopédie No. 1?
Erik Satie, 1888.
Can you download the sheet music for Gymnopédie No. 1 for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Gymnopédie No. 1?
Technically in a week, musically a lifetime.
If this suits you
Canon in D Johann PachelbelThe most famous chord progression in music history – the basis for weddings and for half of pop music.
Clair de Lune Claude DebussyDebussy’s moonlight – sounds floating and light, yet is the most demanding piece on this list.